Baths of Aphrodite (48 km from Paphos, Chrysochou Bay)
According to ancient legends, Cyprus is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, which is why many memorable places on the island are associated with her name. Aphrodite’s Bath is a small grotto in the rock where, according to legend, Aphrodite and her lover, the fertility god Adonis, held their romantic meetings. The bathhouse looks unusually picturesque:
- The secluded pond is surrounded on all sides by vegetation and seems to be covered by a limestone rock.
- The water here is cold even on the hottest days, since underground springs flow here, preventing the water from warming up.
- The depth of the grotto is only half a meter, and its diameter is about 5 meters.
It is believed that those who bathe in this bath will provide themselves with health and beauty for many years. And even if you don’t want to plunge into the waters of the bath, you should just observe the natural beauty and feel the romanticism of these places.
Tombs of the Kings in Paphos (Paphos)
True connoisseurs of antiquity will definitely find something to see in Cyprus – undoubtedly, the Tombs of the Kings in the city of Paphos in the southwest of Cyprus. The majestic necropolis, the history of whose creation goes back to ancient times, became the last refuge for high-ranking officials and representatives of the aristocracy of distant times – just imagine that the first tombs were hewn out of stone back in the 4th century BC.
What are these grandiose creations?
- The underground rooms are hollowed out right inside the rocks and, connected by stairs and passages, form one huge complex.
- The burials exactly replicate the homes of the buried people – amazing copies of the luxurious houses and palaces in which these noble personalities lived.
- All tombs in the necropolis are numbered to make it easier for visitors to find the one they need.
- Next to each burial you can find a clay jug, which was filled with wine, milk or honey so that the deceased could “get enough.” These gifts were placed in special ritual chambers located next to the tombs.
Petra tou Romiou (25th km of the Paphos-Limassol road)
At the 25th kilometer of the road leading from Paphos to Limassol, there is a place whose history is shrouded in myths and legends – Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite Beach. One of the most romantic attractions in Cyprus is a small stretch of rocky beach with beautiful boulders and clear water, which is especially popular among couples.
It is believed that after swimming in these waters, lovers will remain together forever. By swimming at Aphrodite Beach at midnight, you can find eternal beauty and youth, a successful marriage and healthy children. Also, according to beliefs, one of the large rocky stones – the Aphrodite stone – has special power, and by performing a certain ritual around it, you can subsequently meet true love.
On Petra tou Romiou beach you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, see famous and memorable places with your own eyes, but also visit a cafe located in a parking lot near the beach, on the opposite side of the road. Here you can also take a shower, buy local souvenirs or visit a restaurant with stunning sea views, driving a little further along the road towards Limassol.
Akamas National Park (western Akamas Peninsula)
About 50 kilometers from Paphos, beautiful panoramas of nature will open to your attention – unique landscapes with an abundance of vegetation and pristine beaches. This is another attraction of Cyprus – Akamas National Park, a reserve in which nature has been preserved in its pristine beauty. This is an area of coniferous forests with an intoxicating aroma, pebble beaches and sandy bays with crystal clear water.
It is home to a wide variety of wild plants, many of which remain only in this limited range:
- wild plum;
- arbutus;
- myrtle tree;
- eastern sycamore;
- mountain lavender;
- cyclamens;
- orchids;
- pink-purple peonies listed in the Red Book.
The local fauna is also surprising in its richness:
- 168 species of birds;
- 20 species of reptiles;
- 12 species of mammals;
- 16 types of butterflies.
A notable place on the peninsula is the Avakas gorge, located among limestone rocks up to 30 meters high and stretching about 3 km in length. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge.
This place is also worthy of a visit, since even the path to it is interesting – in order to get into the gorge itself, you need to walk about 2 kilometers through the protected park, which smoothly, changing landscapes one after another, turns into a deep and narrow gorge, striking the eye with its monumentality.
Catacombs of Saint Solomonia (Paphos)
Travelers wondering what to visit in Cyprus have the opportunity to see one of the most unique Christian shrines – the Catacombs of St. Solomonia. This is an ancient structure, created partly by nature, partly by man. According to one of the beliefs, in ancient times there lived in Paphos a certain righteous Solomonia, who refused to perform Roman rites and was forced to hide with her sons in the catacombs from her pursuers.
According to one version, the pagans walled up all the passages in the catacombs, dooming the woman to a slow death, but 200 years later, when the passages in the catacombs were cleared, the holy martyr emerged from there safe and sound. According to another version, the woman’s sons were found after escaping and executed, but Solomonia herself was left alive, and the unfortunate woman whiled away her days and nights in tears over the graves of her sons, eventually dying of grief.
The first thing that opens to visitors to the catacombs is a pistachio tree, completely hung with multi-colored scraps of fabric. The fact is that when visiting the catacombs, you can ask Saint Solomonia for healing from various ailments, and in order for your prayers to be heard, you should tie a memorial piece on a tree branch.
If you wish, you can take a walk through the catacombs, and also visit a small well in the depths of the catacombs, the water in which has healing powers – it cures eye diseases.
Keo Aliki Winery (Limassol)
The city of Limassol, a major economic and cultural center of the country, is also considered the center of wine production in Cyprus, and being here, you will not have to think about what to visit in Cyprus. After all, it is here that you will have a unique opportunity to visit one of the largest factories in Limassol – the Keo winery. The tour is held in the premises of the plant as part of a promotional campaign, so visitors are given a number of opportunities:
- watch the production of the best wines in the area;
- taste any product completely free of charge;
- hear some interesting stories about the plant and its products;
- Buying good wine is noticeably cheaper than in stores throughout Cyprus.
One of the most famous alcoholic drinks produced at the Keo factory is the premium wine “Commandoria” – the history of its first release dates back to the 8th century, and now it is considered one of the best wines of Cyprus.
To produce this drink, a special grape variety, Xynisteri, is used, and the process of making wine also has its own subtleties. The grapes are dried in the sun so that their juice acquires sweetness, after which the juice is poured into special vessels and aged in them for several years.
Dancing fountain show (Protaras)
One of the most spectacular sights of Cyprus, striking the imagination with its grandeur, is located in the small resort town of Protaras. Every evening here, to the rhythmic music, magical jets come to life, synchronously soaring upward and performing extraordinary pirouettes. All this is accompanied by a laser light show and all sorts of effects in the form of smoke and fire.
The dancing fountain show is based on a modern and one of the most sophisticated fountain control systems in the world. As many as 18 thousand nozzles and many LED lamps immersed in water create a mesmerizing performance: water streams, illuminated by multi-colored lights, continuously change their movements, obeying musical rhythms and creating an amazing atmosphere.
The show attracts the attention of both adults and children, and you can watch this beauty from May 1 to September 30. Guests are invited to reserve a table in a cozy cafe directly next to the fountains or on special spectator benches.
Eucalyptus grove (Limassol)
Another attraction of Cyprus is also attractive to the seaside town of Limassol – a eucalyptus grove that stretches along the coast for about one and a half kilometers in length. It is difficult to pass by the intoxicating aromas of the numerous eucalyptus trees growing right along the coastline and not enjoy this beauty.
During the summer heat, it is especially good to hide from the rays of the scorching sun, and the aromatic ethereal vapors bring calm and tranquility. In rainy weather, the grove will also be an excellent place for a walk, when the aromas of the trees mix with fresh air saturated with ozone – this kind of “inhalation” will help improve health and improve immunity.
The park also has sports grounds and a children’s playground. After enjoying the walk, you can visit a cafe or restaurant with a picturesque view of the sea – there are many such establishments along the eucalyptus grove. Guests also have the opportunity to check into one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity.
National Forest Park “Cavo Greco” (Cape Greco)
In the eastern part of Cape Greco, also called Ayia Napa, is the luxurious Cavo Greco Nature Reserve, whose area is huge – more than 385 hectares. Initially, the purpose of creating the park was to preserve the unique flora, fauna and landscape of this part of the island. Later, another important mission was added to this goal – attracting more tourists to Cyprus.
Along with pristine nature, here you can find landscaped picnic areas, bicycle paths and walking trails with benches for rest, offering excellent views of the coast with its clear sea water. By the way, the coast here is ideal for diving and fishing – in the coastal waters you can find moray eels, octopuses, sea bass and needle fish.
Today the national park is inhabited by
- about 4 hundred species of plants, 14 of which are considered extremely rare – juniper, acacia, mastic tree, fennel, wild garlic, etc.
- many representatives of the fauna – hedgehogs, foxes, hares, snakes, lizards and various birds.
Finikoudes Beach (Larnaca)
What should sunbathing lovers see in Cyprus? The first thing worth visiting is, of course, Phinikoudes beach, located right next to the central promenade of Larnaca. It is one of the most popular beaches in Cyprus, so entire regular buses periodically come here, bringing numerous tourists and those simply wanting to have a good rest.
The name “finikoudes” itself means “small palm trees” – indeed, the beach is separated from the city by a palm alley, which was planted here back in 1922. The once small palm trees have now turned into large trees, the beauty and grandeur of which delights many visitors.
The length of the beach is about 0.5 kilometers, and the width in different places ranges from 30 to 100 meters. The sand on the beach is of volcanic origin, so its color has a grayish tint. The Blue Flag certificate to which Phinikoudes corresponds confirms its cleanliness and safety, and the service here meets the highest demands:
- Lifeguards are on duty throughout the territory;
- equipment rental is available;
- there is a sanitary area;
- fresh water shower;
- The entire beach area is kept perfectly clean.
Blue Lagoon of Ayia Napa (Ayia Napa resort, Cape Greco)
The island of Cyprus has become famous throughout the world for its nature, amazing landscapes, pristine forests and beautiful coastline – for guests with any interests and preferences there is something to see in Cyprus. One of the extraordinary natural attractions of Cyprus is the Blue Lagoon, located in close proximity to the popular resort of Ayia Napa. This is an area of amazing beauty, a combination of monumental rocks, lush vegetation and azure coastal sea waters.By the way, the water here is so clean and transparent that even without going into it, you can watch colorful fish and whole schools of bright fish scurrying frolicking near the shore.
- Not far from the lagoon there are unusual, mysterious caves, partly filled with sea water, and to visit them it is absolutely not necessary to have diver skills. Any vacationer can sunbathe, dive into the water with a mask, and explore the underwater world.
- Boat excursions from Protaras or Ayia Napa are organized to the shores of the lagoon, and the cliffs located near the lagoon offer wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Old town of Limassol (Limassol)
Fans of historical attractions will definitely find something to visit in Cyprus – the old town in Limassol falls into this category of attractions in Cyprus. In fact, the old town is the historical center of modern Limassol, and these places are imbued with the spirit of provincial Greece. The small houses and narrow streets here have witnessed many historical events taking place here.
The old city has no specific boundaries – we can only say that it is located along the embankment near the old port of Limassol. To explore the local attractions, it is better to walk the entire route and start from the Limassol Fortress. Moving deeper into the old quarter, you will see:
- cathedral;
- a number of Muslim mosques;
- a lot of souvenir shops;
- many cafes and bakeries.
You will see empty houses and villas that were abandoned by residents mainly for political reasons back in the 70s of the last century.
Archbishop's Palace (Nicosia)
In the very center of Nicosia is the most important landmark of Cyprus – the Archbishop’s Palace, built directly next to the old palace building. Despite the fact that this building gives the impression of an ancient structure, it was erected not so long ago – in 1961. Its architecture is an imitation of the ancient Venetian style, which creates a similar impression.
In 1974, during the war with Turkey, an enemy attack was made on the island, and the palace building played the role of a place for military operations. The palace suffered significant damage, but in the 80s the building was completely restored and restored.
Directly on the square in front of the palace in 1987. A huge statue of Archbishop Makarios was erected, who played a significant role in the history of Cyprus – he advocated for the integrity of the island and the independence of his people. Therefore, in the palace building, the archbishop’s bedroom is kept completely intact to this day, and his heart is placed and stored in a special vessel.
Salt lake and flamingos (Larnaca)
Most tourists who have visited Cyprus have at least once traveled along the white shores of the Salt Lake, which is located between Larnaca and the village of Dromolaskias. In general, this lake represents several adjacent lakes, the total area of which is about 2 square meters. kilometers. The salt lake plays a vital role in the island’s ecosystem and is therefore protected by the Ramsar Convention.
Representatives of the fauna find their refuge here. But, undoubtedly, the most important attraction of this region are the beautiful pink birds – flamingos, which fly here for the winter.
Therefore, from autumn to spring, guests have a unique opportunity to admire the beauty and grace of these large birds. It is not possible to get close to flamingos – they are quite cautious, so they keep their distance from people and quite far from the shore, and to see them in all their glory, some visitors even arm themselves with appropriate optics.
Water park "Aphrodite" (Paphos)
If you are interested in the entertainment attractions of Cyprus, Paphos will delight you and your children with the large water amusement park Aphrodite, dedicated, like many other sites in Paphos, to the goddess of love Aphrodite. On a relatively small area of the water park of 35 thousand square meters, high-speed and themed slides, magnificent pools and rivers, entertainment for the little ones with animators and other exciting attractions are compactly located.
And this diversity is surrounded by rich vegetation, flowers, real rocks, picturesque waterfalls and mysterious caves – all this gives the park some exoticism. The layout of the place is so successful that despite the variety of entertainment, there is a free approach to each of the attractions, and there are no queues.
Paphos Fortress (Paphos)
At the most extreme point in the west of the city of Paphos there is a protective fort, which has become one of the symbols of this place. The uniqueness of the medieval building is given by thick walls, behind which you can visit the ruins of the former fortress. The fort was built in the 13th century by the King of Cyprus, one of the representatives of the Lusignan dynasty.
Initially, the castle consisted of two towers united by a wall, but over the centuries the structure was repeatedly destroyed by invaders, suffered as a result of natural disasters, and was later restored by new owners. Paphos Castle was a prison, a mosque, and even a salt warehouse.
But the appearance that the fortress has today, it acquired in 1592, when it was restored in the Ottoman style. Today this monument has the status of a museum – for 20 years in a row, opera concerts and festivals have been held here, among which the most famous is the Aphrodite festival.
Kolossi Castle (10 km from Limassol)
Those interested in the sights of Limassol should visit Kolossi Castle, a medieval military fortress about ten kilometers from Limassol. The building, erected at the beginning of the 13th century, was once the center of the Knights Hospitaller. Today, Kolossi Castle is most often referred to as a massive crenellated tower, but it forms only part of the architectural complex.
The thickness of its walls is striking, amounting to 1.25 meters – it was this factor that allowed the tower to withstand earthquakes and survive to this day. On the ground floor of the tower there was presumably a storage room – water containers can still be seen there. On the second level there are two rooms, one of which has a fireplace – most likely, there was a dining room here.
In another of the rooms, a large fresco has been preserved, depicting the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the faces of the Virgin Mary and St. John. The third floor once served as a knight’s hall and the Commander’s personal quarters.
Church of St. Lazarus (Larnaca)
Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world flock to one of the most important shrines in Cyprus – the Church of St. Lazarus, because everyone wants to touch the relics of the saint, who, according to the Gospel, was resurrected by Christ three days after death. The miraculous resurrection then did not please the clergy, and Lazarus was forced to flee – Larnaca became his refuge.
After his death, the saint’s relics were buried at the base of the church, after which the temple was rebuilt several times, and it was believed that the remains were irretrievably lost. Only in the 70s of the last century, during the restoration, in the process of opening the stone tombs under the altar, the relics were found – today they are a most valuable artifact and are exhibited for public worship.
Other valuables of the temple include a burnt-out wooden iconostasis with the miraculously surviving face of St. Lazarus, icons of St. Martyr George and the Mother of God Hodegetria.
Kykkos Monastery (Troodos Mountains)
By renting a car in Cyprus, you immediately gain the opportunity to have an eventful holiday, not tied to the regulations of general excursions. Having a car, you can visit the mountains and picturesque bays, stroll along the ancient streets of mountain villages, and see ancient monasteries. By the way, in the Troodos mountains you can find something to see in Cyprus by car – this is the stauropegic monastery of the Kykkos Mother of God.
The monastery has always had a special role in the history of Cyprus – its brethren have always strived to inspire the people in the most difficult times. And within the walls of the monastery church is kept the Miraculous Icon of the Kykkos Mother of God – according to popular belief, this is one of the three icons painted by the Apostle and Evangelist Luke.
This shrine is surrounded by many legends associated with its miracles – the Mother of God protected more than once, saved from troubles, and from ancient times to this day the icon is taken to Mount Troni during the most difficult trials.
Ayia Napa Monastery (Ayia Napa)
Those who are looking for the beautiful sights of Cyprus will be greeted by Ayia Napa with picturesque beaches with white sand, quaint limestone cliffs and azure sea. But the large seaside village is known not only for its developed beach infrastructure – the Ayia Napa Monastery is located very close to the coast, and once upon a time it was from here that the history of the then modest fishing village began.
The monastery is located very close to the coast, in the very center of the popular resort. The history of the monastery began in the 14th century – they say that in those days there was an impenetrable forest in these places, where residents of nearby settlements hunted. One day, one of the hunters in the thicket discovered a cave in which an ancient icon of the Mother of God was kept.
It was on this site that a church grew over time, and two centuries later, a monastery. The most valuable shrine of the monastery is the veil given to the Savior by Saint Veronica during the procession to Golgotha.
Ancient city of Kourion (Episkopi Bay)
Just a few kilometers from the historical center of Limassol, the ancient city of Kourion stretches along the bay. It was once a large city-state – this was a thousand years BC. During its existence, the city passed into the possession of the Byzantines, Greeks, and Romans, but after many centuries it began to decline – apparently, the starting point of this process was the devastating earthquake of the 4th century AD.
The city was finally abandoned in the 7th century as a result of Arab invasions. Today, Kourion is a large archaeological museum with ruins from several eras – Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian eras.
A walk through the ruins will turn into an educational journey into the past – among the ruins you can see such objects as the house of Achilles and Eustolios, Roman baths, the house of gladiators, an ancient theater, the ruins of a basilica, the ruins of a nymphaeum, and mosaic fragments.
Ancient city of Amathus (southern Cyprus)
When going to explore the sights of southern Cyprus, you should definitely visit one of the ten surviving ancient cities in Cyprus. This is the ancient city of Amathus, with which mythology was closely intertwined – for example, there was an ancient sanctuary here, which was one of the most important places of worship of the goddess Aphrodite, and today you can see the remains of this structure.
The city was built on a convenient location on a coastal cliff, on the coast of a natural harbor – this fact predetermined the rapid development of the city in the ancient period; trade with Greece and the Levant took place through the local port. Over the centuries, the city was conquered by the Persians, Romans, Ptolemies, Byzantines, and at the end of its glorious history the city was destroyed as a result of Arab invasions.
Today, on the territory of the ancient city you can see the ruins of the acropolis, the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite, a market with rows of marble columns and ancient burials.
Kamares Aqueduct (Larnaca)
On the island of Cyprus, the sights of Larnaca occupy a special place – these are kilometers of magnificent beaches, ancient temples and fortresses, a walk around the surroundings of which takes you many centuries into the past. There are other valuable historical sites, such as the Kamares Aqueduct.
This is the prototype of the modern water supply system, created in the 18th century, the purpose of which was to deliver water to Larnaca from a source located above. For two centuries, the aqueduct successfully fulfilled its important role, until in the 30s of the last century it was replaced by a modern water supply system.
Kamares was once located outside the city, but over the years the city grew and was built up, and now the structure is in its very center. By the way, the city government values this monument and even created a special committee to protect it.
Castle of Forty Columns (Paphos)
Not far from the city of Paphos there is another of the many fortifications of Cyprus, created to protect against Arab invasions. This is the Castle of Forty Columns, part of the archaeological complex. By the way, the existence of the castle was not known until the second half of the last century, when a fragment of a mosaic panel was discovered while cultivating a plot of land located above the port.
Upon further excavations, it turned out that this was only part of the archaeological treasure that lurks underground. It is believed that the castle was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, and in the 13th century it underwent a major reconstruction.
However, a strong earthquake undermined all these works, destroying the fortress almost to the ground. The fortress got its name thanks to the granite columns that once supported its arch – they have survived to this day, along with the remains of towers, gloomy dungeons and cellars.
Avagas Gorge (Laona Plateau)
A trip to Cyprus is not complete without beautiful nature – the island is rich in natural beauty, excellent scenery and climate. Therefore, you should definitely visit the natural attractions of Cyprus. The presentation of natural sites will be incomplete without the Avakas Gorge, located 20 kilometers from Paphos.
More than a thousand years ago, this natural creation was formed by a river flowing here, which dried up over time – now all that remains is a small stream at the bottom of the canyon. Avagas is a true paradise for hikers, with breathtaking views and an incredible abundance of flora, including endemic plants and endangered species.
As you pass through the gorge, the distance between its stone walls gradually narrows, eventually forming a narrow corridor where the rock masses hover right above your head – a frightening but mesmerizing sight.
Fig Tree Bay (Protaras)
The coastline of the city of Protaras is completely dotted with small coves, but one of them stands out from the rest – this is Fig Tree Bay, or Fig Tree Bay. Today it is a popular holiday destination where many figs grow – it is said to be the only place in Cyprus with such a concentration of fig trees. Once upon a time, the bay was decorated with a giant fig tree – this is where the name of the area came from.
Diving enthusiasts will be especially interested in exploring the coastal underwater world – this is facilitated by the clearest clear water and a rich underwater world with mysterious sea caves.
The beach offers a lot of entertainment – boating, water skiing, sailing, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and there are numerous restaurants serving traditional local dishes. The bay is surrounded by a string of hotels with different levels of service.
Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa)
The Cyprus resort of Ayia Napa is famous for its beaches, among which the most popular is Nissi Beach, comfortably located in a beautiful Mediterranean bay. An incredible number of vacationers come here every year, preferring noisy parties and a fun holiday in the company of friends. Every day this place is filled with the noise of discos, delighting young people with a huge selection of entertainment.
For example, in the daytime – banana rides, parachute jumping, scuba diving, in the evenings – fiery dancing, foam parties and beach competitions.
Nissi Beach is also well equipped for a comfortable stay – there are comfortable sun loungers, umbrellas, cabins and showers, and the azure water and soft sand are ideal for swimming. You can have a snack in any of the many cafes and restaurants.
Cape Greco (south-eastern part of Cyprus)
When looking for what to see in Cyprus in May, you should definitely include Cape Greco in your route, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Cyprus. This is a true oasis of serenity, located in the southeast of the island. Its territory is untouched lands that change their delightful appearance every season – it is no coincidence that in 1993 they were given the status of a national park.
Thus, the flora of the local park includes more than four hundred species of plants, including endemics and simply rare vegetation. The flowers are especially beautiful – in April-May this entire area blooms with the most unimaginable colors, impressing with its brightness and beauty.
In addition, hunting is completely prohibited at Cape Greco, due to the need to protect local species of fauna – along with numerous foxes, hedgehogs and hares, more than 80 species of birds, including migratory ones, live here, as well as a huge variety of fantastic butterflies.
A trip to Cyprus can be compared to a real trip around the world – it’s amazing how many natural, historical and cultural monuments are concentrated on one small island. Holidays in Cyprus will allow you not only to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also to plunge into another world, touching the cultures of different eras.
